Special Education and Social Pedagogy

Abstract

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  Profile of the study programme

  The Bachelor of Arts in «Special Education and Social Pedagogy» is a university programme that offers both the acquisition academic competences and a professional diploma.

  The programme is aimed at students with a general qualification for university entrance who wish to pursue a practical career or conduct research in the fields of special education and social pedagogy. This involves dealing with the living conditions, developmental contexts and learning situations of children, adolescents and adults who experience long-term difficulties in education or independent living.

  In preparation for the programme students must complete a nine-month internship. The study programme «Special Education and Social Pedagogy» is a full-time university programme of 180 ECTS credits over the course six semesters. The curriculum consists of lectures in special education, social pedagogy and related disciplines (such as education, sociology, psychology, medicine and law), the in-depth study of issues surrounding special education and social pedagogy and internships in various professional areas. A reflective interconnection between theory and practice is central.

  Fribourg profile
  The programme «Special Education and Social Pedagogy» is the only university course in Switzerland which qualifies students for both academic and professional careers in special education and social pedagogy.

  The study programme is caracterised by the consideration of different living conditions throughout the entire lifespan, as well as the particular emphasis on intellectual disability and socio-emotional developmental disorders (challenging behaviour).

  With this bachelor's degree students obtain two qualifications: Firstly, it provides a professional diploma in special education and social pedagogy which is highly valued in the practical field. Secondly, the degree enables students to pursue different master's degrees in special education (special education, teaching degree in special education, early childhood intervention) and possibly related disciplines. A master's degree in special education qualifies for further academic studies (e.g. PhD).

  Learning outcomes and career openings
  The main goals regarding the professional and academic qualifications of students in «Special Education and Social Pedagogy» are as follows:

  a) Acquiring theoretical knowledge

  • Knowledge about the facets, complexity and interactions of disability;
  • Knowledge about living conditions, developmental contexts and learning situations of people with disabilities throughout the entire lifespan;
  • Knowledge about the potential needs that may arise from disability and dealing with these in an appropriate and professional manner;
  • Basic theoretical knowledge of related disciplines.

  b) Acquiring scientific knowledge

  • Basics knowledge of scientific methodology;
  • Basics knowledge of scientific theory.

  c) Acquiring professional competences

  • Competences in decision-making and responsibility;
  • Personal and social competences.

  During the studies, students are required to do different internships in various professional fields:

  • Children, adolescents and adults with intellectual or profound and multiple disabilities;
  • Children and adolescents with socio-emotional developmental disorders (challenging behaviour) or young people living in difficult circumstances;
  • Children, adolescents and adults with sensory or physical disabilities;
  • Children, adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

  The main goals and professional fields define the professional perspectives with a Bachelor of Arts in «Special Education and Social Pedagogy»:

  • Special educational or social pedagogical work in residential, semi-residential or ambulant services for people with disabilities and youth welfare;
  • Educational management and advisory functions in the fields of disability services and youth welfare services;
  • Work in advanced training of professionals in the fields of disability services and youth welfare;
  • Continuation of an academic career (Master).

Studies organisation

Structure of studies

Curriculum

Admission